NAP Building Blocks

The UNFCCC NAP Technical Guidelines outline the four elements in the development and implementation of a NAP. These elements are the basis of an iterative process that is also country-driven, gender-sensitive and participatory. Under each element is a list of actions that can be used to identify entry points and sequence the selected adaptation activities into a road map.

However, they are not meant to be prescriptive. The formulation and implementation of a NAP is a flexible process that should conform to country circumstances. Those countries that chose to engage in the NAP process do not have to follow the steps in consecutively or completely.

Element A - Lay the groundwork and address gaps

Element A - Lay the groundwork and address gaps

Initiating and launching the NAP process

Stocktaking: identifying available information on climate change impacts, vulnerability and adaptation and assessing gaps and needs of the enabling environment for the NAP process

Addressing capacity gaps and weaknesses in undertaking the NAP process

Comprehensively and iteratively assessing development needs and climate vulnerabilities

Element B - Preparatory elements

Element B - Preparatory elements

Analyzing current climate and future climate change scenarios

Assessing climate vulnerabilities and identifying adaptation options at the sector, subnational, national and other appropriate levels

Reviewing and appraising adaptation options

Compiling and communicating NAPs

Integrating climate change adaptation into national and subnational development and sectoral planning

Element C - Implementation strategies

Element C - Implementation strategies

Prioritizing climate change adaptation in national planning

Developing a (long-term) national adaptation implementation strategy

Enhancing capacity for planning and implementation of adaptation

Promoting coordination and synergy at the regional level and with other multilateral environmental agreements

Element D - Reporting, monitoring and reviewing

Element D - Reporting, monitoring and reviewing

Monitoring the NAP process

Reviewing the NAP process to assess progress, effectiveness and gaps

Iteratively updating the NAPs

Outreach on the NAP process and reporting on progress and effectiveness